As of November 12, 2026, Philippines is cheaper than Thailand for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $65 in Philippines against $79 in Thailand, a gap of 21.5%. Over the past year Philippines has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+6.3% after inflation, against +5.8%). Thailand carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 2). Thailand is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Philippines | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $65 | $79 |
| Lean day | $30 | $35 |
| Comfortable day | $148 | $187 |
| Real change, 12 months | +6.3% | +5.8% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +7.9% | +4.1% |
| Versus 5-year average | +14.5% | +7.3% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 3.5 · Workable | 4.8 · Effortless |
| Index score | 72 | 75 |
| Best months | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb |
| Shoulder months | May, Nov | Mar, Jun, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The best beaches in Asia, behind the most tiring logistics.
The catchYou will lose days to ferries and delayed flights, typhoon season runs June to November, and parts of Mindanao are off-limits.
The most polished budget destination on earth: everything works, at every price point.
The catchThe baht has been strong and the islands price like southern Europe in peak season. Value now lives in the north and in shoulder months.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.